Shirt wrapper



, Ma3-f 27, 1941., s LIGHTER l 2,243,350

SHIRT WRAPPER Filed Sept. 22, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l May 27, 1941- s. LIGHTER 2,243,350

SHIRT wRAPPER Filed Sept. 22, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORN EY Patented May 27, 194i (UNITED STATES PATEN asias T for-FICE SHIRT WBAPPEB. Stephen Lighter, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 22, 1939, Serial No. 298,016

My present invention relates in general to iinprovements in the ant of wrappna wearing apparel such as shirts or the like. and relates more specifically to improvements in the construction' and operation of wrappers for freshly laundered and folded men's shirts and similar garments.

Generally deilned, an object of my invention is to provide an improved laundry wrapper whichI is simple in construction and emcient in use.

Many difl'erent types of shirt wrappers' have heretofore been proposed for use in wrapping (Cl. 22S-8U substantially the entire garment without the aid of internal stii'fening boards, or in a local band encircling a folded shirt having'a stifl'ening board freshly laundered shirts, and while some of these v prior shirt wrappers have been used with a mod-4 lerate degree of success. they are all more or vless objectionable either because of the initial cost and diiliculties in manufacturing, or because they do not effectively accomplish their intended purpose. A shirt wrapper in order to be commer. cially practical, must not only be adapted for use without the aid of pins orV clips, but must also effectively protect various portions of the shirtand retain the latter in neatly folded condition, A practical wrapper of this type should be capable of being produced at moderate cost, and should also be` applicable to a shirt speedily and with very little wrappers have all been deficient as to one or more of these essential requirements. and the cheaper wrappers are usually insuiiiciently strong effort on the part of the individual making the application. 'nie previous shirt to withstand handling of the final package. without tearing.

It is therefore 'a more speeinc object or the present invention to provide a new and useful wrapper, especially applicable to folded shirts,

' which obviates all of the objectionable features of prior shirt wrappers. and which moreover embodies all of the desirable features thereof. as well as others. Y

Another specic object of my` invention is to provide anfimproved shirt wrapper which can be readily produced at-moderate cost, which may be quickly and conveniently applied to a folded shirt, and which will shoulders, collar and other portionsvof the. shirt to which it is applied.

A further 'specic object of my present invention is to provide an improved individual wrapper for .laundered and folded shirts, which is durable in construction and will maintain the shirtsv in neatly folded and protected condition.

v,An` additional object of 'this invention is to provide an improved laundry' wrapper which is and the improved features eifectively I protect the the invention,

garments, having improved collar and neck band protective features which are conveniently applicable to the goods during packing, and which may be readily manufactured with the aid of punches and dies with minimum waste of stock,

A further specinc object of my llresentl invention is to provide a shirt wrapper of attractive appearance and to which advertising matter may be readily applied,

and metal clips.

These and other specific objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

A clear conception of the several features con- -stituting my present improvement.' and of the mode of construct! g and of utilizing several typesof shirt wrappers builtin accordance with may be had by referring tothe drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specincation wherein like reference characters desi'snate vthe same or similar parts in the various views.

Fig. l is 'a plan view of a cover-all shirt wrap per embodying the invention, portions of the lower part of the wrapper having been broken away;

Fig-2 is a fragmentary plan view depicting the initial step of the method of applying the wrapper of Fig.` ltoa shirt:

Fig. 3Lis a similar fragmentary view illustratt and which is moreover strong and devoid of objectionable fasteners such as pins trai portion the mode of producing the same from sheet stock with xn imum waste;

is a fragmentary plan view of a folded Fig. shirt. depicting one method of applying thereto;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to that ofl Fig. 8. illusof the initial steps in the the band wrapper of Fig, 7

trating the next step of the wrapping operation:

Fig.,10 is another view similar to thoseA of Figs. 8 and 9, showing the final wrapping step;

Fig. 1l is a rear view of the portion of the final package shown in Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12 is a of band wrappers also embodying the invention, and likewise illustrating the mode of eliminating waste in the manufacture thereof.

Although the inve tion has been embodied herein in various types of cardboard wrappers especially adapted for the purpose of enwrapping freshly laundered shirts, it is not the intent to unnecessarily restrict the scope or utility of the novel features by virtue of such limited disclosure. Y

My present invention is adapted tobe applied either to a cover-all type of shirt wrapper wherein the major portion of the folded shirt is concealed but no permanent stiifening -board is utilized within the shirt, and in a band type of wrapper wherein the shirt is retained in folded condition about a cardboard stiifener and is maintained neatly folded by a local band having the improved collar protector associated therewith.

Referring especially to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawings, the improved cover-all type of shirt wrapper disclosed therein comprises in generals. one-piece cardboard blank having a front panel each wrapper may be quickly and conveniently applied to a folded shirt 3| in the manner clearly plan view of several modified type and plate 23 into proper centralposition: and

after the shirt 3| has reached `the position shown in Fig. 2 with the tips 33 of the collar lapels pointing through the openings between the plate 28 and edge 2| and overlying this edge, theiinal insertion of the shirt 3| to the position shown in Fig. 3 is accomplished by taking hold of the lower portion of the folded `shirt through the open lower end of the wrapper and by pulling the shirt down,

whereupon the board 32 may be removed from above the package.l The final downward thrust' of the shirt 3| into the wrapper, causes the panel 23 to assume the proper inclination relative to the front panel I4, and simultaneously causes the tabs 24 at the opposite sides of the central panel 23 to ride beneath the collar lapels or tips 33 and to assume positions -in re-en'foncing contact with the front ofthe collar and spaced from the exterior front portions of the band l33 as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. The nnal downward pull of the I4, and two overlapping rear panels I3, I3 foldably connected to the opposite side edges of the -panel I4 and permanently connected to each other at the overlapped area I'I by means of adhesive or otherwise, so as to form an envelope open at the top and bottom. The central portion of the front panel I4 may be provided with a peek opening I8 through which a portion of the front of the enwrapped garment is visible, and

` which may also be utilized for decorative or advertising purposes; and the upper part of this shirt 3|, also causes the triangular side portions I3 to effectively cover and conceal the shoulder parte of the shirt 3|; and all that is thereafter required of the operator to complete the wrapping operation, is to fold and snap .the resilient plate 23 within the utanding neck band 3l as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The score lines 22, 24, 21, 23 will permitthe various parts ofthe assem- 'blage to readily assume these various positions.

panel I4 is provided with triangular side portions l I9 the adjacent side edges 23 of which converge toward each other and terminate at the ends of a horizontal transverse edge 2| to provide a recess for the reception of the collar part of a shirt. Projecting upwardly from the top edge` 2| and hingedly connected thereto along a score line 22. is a tapered panel 23 which has opposite side tabs 24 foldably connected therewith along score lines 25. A short transition section 23 is fold ably connected to the top of the panel 23 along a fold line 21, and a relatively wide collar bracing or stiiening plate 23 extends across the top of the section 2B from one edge 20 to the other and is foldably connected to the section '23 along a fold line 29. Before the wrapper is applied to a shirt, the opposite ends of the plate 23 may be attached to the triangular portions I3 by one or more uncut portions 30 so l be handled without tearing the plates 23, sections 2t and panels 23 all of .which are formed integral with each other and with thefront panell I4. The plate 2B preferably has its narrowest centhus formed are 'normally that the empty wrappers mill? hingedly connected to the transi-l 26, and increases in width toward 'y and when/'the plate 23 has been finally inserted itwillremaininplaceandwilllocktheshirtu within -its\wr\apper. The plate 23 effectively reinforces `the collar 34 and cooperates with the panel 23 and tabs 24 to maintain the proper shape of the collar 34 and neck band 3l, and the shirt 3| may be readily removed from its wrapping upon withdrawal of the plate 23.

In Fig. 6 of the drawings I have shown a modified cover-all type of shirt wrapper, which, while functioning the same as the wrapper of Fig. 1, is slightly different inconstruction. This modified wrapper of PIU-8 also has a frontpanel I4, and

two overlapping rear panels II. I3 foldably associated with theopposite side edges of the front panel I4 and permanently connected at the overlapped area I1. The upper portion of the front panel I4 has triangular side portions Il' the adjacent inclined edges 23 of which converge toward and terminate at. upper inclined edges 2|' to provide la collar receiving recess. Projecting upwardly from the lower ends of the top edges 2 I and hingedly connected to the panel Hielo/nga score line 22', -is a modified panel 23' having op' posite sfde collar lapel m8381118 and guiding tabs ,or ears 24' formed integral therewith. Aconnecting section 23' is foldably attached to the shown in Fig. 1,'but 75.

pane'i23' along a score line 21', and a transverse collar band engaging plate 23' is foldably connected with the top of the section 23' along a score line 23'. The plate23 may again be temporarily attached to the inclined edges 2l' by local uncut portions 33. It will be apparent that this modified wrapper of Fig. 6 i-s applicable to a shirt` Slinin the same manner as above described inY conj ction with the disclosures in Figs. 1 to 5 ""-inclusive, and that the various parts of the modified wrapper will function the same as the corresponding elements of the wrapper previously described.

- Referring more particularly. to Figs. l toV 11 improved shirt wrapper shown therein, comprises a single sheet of cardboard or the like, which may be manufactured with relatively little waste as shown in Fig. 7. from a continuous sheet or strip high front band section 44' provided with larger 'y -inclusive of the drawings, the band type of the Y of stock. This modied type of wrapper has-a shirt embracing band formed of a front section 44 provided with upwardly projecting ,rounded portions 45,Y and two overlapping rear sections 45, 41 foldably connected to the-front section 44 along fold lines '48 and each having a Vnotch 49 interlockable with the other rear section to detachably connect the ends of the band. 'I'he front section 44 of the band, has a tapered panel v 3- modified band type of wrapper has a relatively upwardly projecting portions 45', andthe height of the two rear sections 45', 41', has been materiallyy reduced. .The panel guide tabs 52' and section 54' are substantially the same asin the wrapper of Fig. 7, but the top plate'55' is formed to flt the projections 45 and the sectionsl 45. `41 so that minimum cardboard stock will be wasted during manufacture of the wrappers. y

This modified band type wrapper will be just as eifective in use. as.the bandtype wrapper. previouslydescribed. and may obviously be applied to a shirt 3| in the same manner as described incommotion with Figs. .8 to 1l inclusive.

From the foregoing detailed description of theV several improved wrappers and of the mode of applying the same to shirts 3|, it will beapparent 50 connected therewith along a score line 5|, and

`this panel 5l has oppositely directed side guiding tabs 52 foldably connected therewith along score lines 53. A transition section 54 is connected to the top of the panel 50 along a fold line 55, and a transversely extending plate is again widened toward its opposite ends and is hingedly vconnected at its narrowest central portion to the section 54-along a score line 51. All of the parts of this band type of shirt wrapper are formed inte'gral with each other and maybe cut from a strip of cardboard or the like with the aid of punches and dies, and scored with well known Y machinery.

The band type of wrappers normally lie flat as inFlg. '7,' and inorder to enwrap a shirt 5I. in one of these wrappers, the shirt is ilrst neatly folded about an ordinary cardboard stiffener 52 as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 11 with the sleeves 36 folded over each other and beneath the backfold l1 of the shirt. Theiiattened -band assemblage swing about thefold line 5I andthe tabs 52 will ride upwardly along and beneath the, collar lapels-until the tops of the guide tabs engage the foremost upper portion of the neck band 35. To complete the wrapping operation, it is then only necessaryv for the operator to swing the upper plate 55' rearwardlyand downwardly into the interior of the upstanding neck band 35 about the score lines" 55, 51, and the plate 55 due to its iiexibility and resiliency will snap into snug contact with the 'neck band, see Fig. 10. The band will .then be locked* about and against possible shifting along the body of the shirt, by the V- notches 49 and the plate 55, and this plate will cooperate with the panel 5|! and tabs 52 to protect the collar and neck band and to keep these elements in shape, while the projecting portions 45 will at least partially protect the shoulders of the shirt 3|.

In Flg.'l2 I have shown a modified type of the band form of wrapper, which functions precisely that my present invention provides a simple and durable shirt wrapper which can be readily manufactured and applied to a shirt to provide an effective final wrapping. Both the cover-al1 and the band type of wrappers have the common characteristic construction whereby they may be slipped beneath the shirt collar points or tips while the tabs on the tapered central panel ride along the lower surfaces of the collar lapels, and effectively retain and protect the outer collar and collar band when assembled. Both types of wrappers also partiallyrconceal and protect the shoulder portions of the shirt, and may be applied to a shirt with equal facility. All of the'four modifications of the invention disclosed herein may be manufactured with the aid of punches and dies and with minimum waste of stock, and

the band type can obviously be produced at considerably lower cost than the de luxe cover-all type. The improved wrappers avoid the use of pins and other metallic fasteners, and have proven highly satisfactory in actual commercial use. These wrappers also effectively maintain the shirts in neatly folded condition and are so quickly applicable to laundered shirts that they have met with great favor from the users; and

. while the cover-all type of wrapper shown herein is open at both the top and bottom, it may obviously be closed at the bottom to provide protection for the lower portion of the folded shirt.

With the improved cover-all wrapper the collarwhile being protected is completely exposed to view at all times and may therefore be conveniently inspected at all times.

It should beunderstoodA that it is not desired to limit this invention to the exact detalls of construction or to the precise mode of use, herein shown and described, for various modifications within the scope of the appended claims may occur to persons skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A shirt wrapper comprising, a retaining band formed to snugly embrace a folded shirt transversely below the collar, and having its opposite ends formed for inter-connection at the rear of the shirt, a relatively narrow panel projecting upwardly from the center of the front section of theband and having guide tabs at its opposite sides engaging and supporting the front portions of the collar adjacent to the lapels so as to maintain said. collar portions away from the collar band, and an elongated flexible transverse plate connected at its lower central part to the upper end of said panel, said plate being foldable within the collar band.

2. A shirt wrapper comprising, a retaining band formed-to snugly embrace a folded shirt transl -4 i n. sagsag'l versely below the coilarsnd havin: its opposite l pelssoutomnintsinssid'eollnrportions un! ends i'ormed for .detachable inter-connection at -from the eollnr ,banmnnd'nn elongsted iiexible the rear of the shirt.a relatively narrow 'tapered transverse plete connected at its lower eentrnl panel projecting upwardly from' the center of the part to the upper narrower end of said panel, 'nid iront section of the band and having luide tabs 5 plate being widened nt its oppositeeends andi'old-.

nt its opposite sides ensuciar and supporting thel sbie within band. front portions o! the collar adjacent to the lai incurran.r 

